City officials and members of the community gathered May 22 outside The Memorial Building to unveil two new historical markers, making 12 total markers as part of the city's Historical Marker Program.

The Memorial Building itself and a 140mm Hontoria naval gun on site, taken from the Spanish armored cruiser Vizcaya during the Spanish-American War, were named last week as historic gems in Columbia on the eve of Memorial Day.

"The unveiling of these markers allows us to preserve our past while educating future generations,” Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder said. “These sites represent not only Columbia’s civic history, but also our city’s connection to national and international events. The Memorial Building and the Vizcaya gun tell stories of service, sacrifice and historical significance that we are proud to share.”

City Manager Tony Massey, along with the assistance of the late Bob Duncan, initiated the Historical Marker Program.

“The historical marker program is one of the most meaningful initiatives we’ve undertaken to celebrate Columbia’s history in a visible, lasting way,” Massey said.

“That this unveiling took place on the eve of Memorial Day makes it especially meaningful, as we prepare to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. The Memorial Building—serving as a space for the local Veterans Services Office—and the story behind the Vizcaya gun remind us not only of how deeply Columbia appreciates those who have given their lives in service to our country, but also of how our city is woven into the broader fabric of American history."

The presence of the naval gun in Columbia also connects the community to a moment of international consequence, standing as a powerful reminder of service and sacrifice that shaped our nation, Massey said.

The Memorial Building

First constructed in 1909 on West 7th Street, what is known today as The Memorial Building, initially operated as Columbia's first permanent U.S. Post Office.

While establishing a permanent post office was a significant stride in the city's development at the time, Maury County Archives Director Tom Price said there was "a problem from the get-go that nobody foresaw."

"In 1908, at the time they were building this magnificent building the car was invented as well," Price said. "It was a pretty serious flaw for this building because, at the time, they thought people would be coming in carriages and buggies, which there were no parking rules needed for those. So, when cars started to become prevalent, there was no parking here whatsoever."

Sponsored by U.S. Congressman Lemuel Padgett, also of Columbia, the post office remained at the site until 1941.

Eight years later, it would receive its Memorial Building name officially, "to commemorate the memory of those living and dead who participated in the wars of our nation."

The Memorial Building has since served as a public library, the Chamber of Commerce, as well as a hub for veterans' services and organizations.

"It is an amazing building and has served as a great community center for a long time," Price said.

Vizcaya Hontoria naval gun

The 140mm Hontoria naval gun, which sits facing West 7th Street outside of the Memorial Building's front entrance, was retrieved during the Spanish-American War.

The gun was taken from the destroyed Spanish Cruiser Vizcaya during the war's decisive Naval Battle of Santiago de Cuba.

"The U.S. Navy was really at its height at this time in American history, and they started blockading the ports around Cuba," Price said. "The Vizcaya was sailing for Havana, but by the time it got there Havana had already been blockaded by the U.S. Navy."

In an effort to avoid naval ships, the Vizcaya sailed to Santiago, where U.S. ships would show up just a few days later.

"While trying to sail out of the harbor, a pretty major naval battle ensued, started at 9:35 a.m. and was all done by 11 a.m.," Price said. "The U.S. Navy had decimated the Spanish Navy from that battle and the Vizcaya was sunk. A common practice at the time, I suppose, was that a number of guns were taken from the Vizcaya and brought to the United States to be displayed in various locations."

The Hontoria gun was donated to Columbia in 1902 thanks to the efforts of Congressman Padgett, who also served as part of the U.S. Navy Committee.

It is also one of only three Vizcaya guns reportedly on public display in the U.S., the others being at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the other at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"It is indeed an honor to be in the same company as those great American institutions," Molder said.

J ay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com .